Former Woodbury business leader Sol Berger dies

Sol Berger, founder of Colonial Corporation of America with headquarters in Woodbury, died Saturday at his home in Scarsdale, NY.

Mr. Berger came to Woodbury in 1947 and opened a shirt factory, first employing only a few people. The business grew rapidly. Soon the building was not large enough to house the operation and an addition was built. Then another, and yet another until Colonial Corporation of America employed more than 2,100 people in the plant here in Woodbury and operated plants in other towns in the South including one in Auburntown, plus one in Jamaica.

The Bergers, Sol and his wife Marley with their two daughters Renee and Sandye (Sandye was born in Woodbury) lived at the end of College Street across from the old high school.

Remembered as a warm, friendly man, Mr. Berger was a generous supporter of various programs and projects here. He was a great admirer and friend of Dr. J. F. Adams and helped with the financing of Adams Memorial Library when it was built in 1964. Later he and his family made significant contributions to the Arts Center of Cannon County.

In September, 1995 Sol and members of his family returned to Woodbury for a day of appreciation and homecoming during which hundreds of former employees and friends honored him and his family members.

Sol’s wife Marley died several years ago. He is survived by his daughters, Sandye and Renee as well as grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 28 in New York City.